Log splitter, Warming up????

[Big Wave D]

Not sure what area to post this under, so I'm going with this one. It is an 'operating' question, just not about a tractor per se.

I have a TSC/Speeco self contained log splitter. It doesn't have a heated home.

Until now, when I've used it, the temps have been rather mild, 45+ degrees. Now, the weather has turned to truly winter temps and the highs are only in the low to mid 20's.

So, how is the best way to warm the hydraulics of it up? Or, do I even need to?

If I do: Then do I want to start it and just let the engine idle with the pump just bypassing? Do I want to run the engine at operating RPM and still just let the pump bypass? Do I want to idle the motor, but run the ram back and forth with no load? Same as before, but with increased RPM? Do I just start it and go right to splitting?

How all do you handle 'warming' your log splitters? Love to hear your methods and reasons for doing so.

Thanks

 

[blackie65]

I have a 22 ton from TSC and I start it and get right to splitting. Just might want to take into consideration what type of fluid you are using as some are not good for winter operation.

Happy Splittin !

 

[Big Wave D]

When I bought the splitter, it was on sale. Part of the sale was that they prepped it for use, supposedly a $40 value. I figure they used what ever they sell out of the store.

Sadly, I don't know what they used for certain concerning the hydraulic fluid. When I check the fluid level, it is a very light, honey color. It doesn't seem overly thick on the viscosity scale.

 

[Treemonkey1000]

I am a big fan of warming up my splitter first it has a 12 Hp Honda on it. After the engine has run a few minutes I will cycle the ram. Seems to work fine for me. Although we don't get that many long cold spells here in the rainforest of Seattle.
And I give it a few minutes cool down period after splitting for a bit. Just the same as when I am out using my chainsaws.

 

[Happyman]

I just start mine and give the engine about a minute at high idle to get the oil flowing. Then it's full throttle and start splitting. Done it this way for years at very low and very high temps. No problemo. I say start her up and have at it. :thumbsup:

 

[Mousefield]

I just start mine and give the engine about a minute at high idle to get the oil flowing. Then it's full throttle and start splitting. Done it this way for years at very low and very high temps. No problemo. I say start her up and have at it. :thumbsup:

I do the same, idle for a minute or two and then start splitting. :thumbsup:

 

[Big Wave D]

Alrighty then.

I won't go overboard on the warm up period when it comes to splitting wood in the colder months of the year. Seems like most people are saying that they want the engine warmed but aren't to concerned to much about the hydraulics. They'll come up to speed with use just fine.

Thanks to all for your 2 cents on the subject.

 

[Big Wave D]

Mousefield,

Do you paint the bucket on your back hoe to keep it looking so nice?

Mine still has some paint left, but it only starts to look nice again with an extended period of digging, otherwise it sports a nice rust patina. :laughing:

 

[Ford tractor]

When it's cold and you've had to pull that dang cord 20-30 times to get the motor to fire up, you won't give a *$%#! about the hydraulics! By the time you get your wind back, the engine will be running smooth and ready to go. :laughing:

 

[Treemonkey1000]

When it's cold and you've had to pull that dang cord 20-30 times to get the motor to fire up, you won't give a *$%#! about the hydraulics! By the time you get your wind back, the engine will be running smooth and ready to go. :laughing:

That's why I like the Honda engine. I've not had to pull more than twice on that thing yet to get it started...:thumbsup:

 

[Mousefield]

Mousefield,

Do you paint the bucket on your back hoe to keep it looking so nice?

Mine still has some paint left, but it only starts to look nice again with an extended period of digging, otherwise it sports a nice rust patina. :laughing:

Still the original paint. Have used it to dig up some stumps and dig a couple of trenches, one was at the neighbor's, about 300 ft, 2 ft deep and very gravely. I'm sure gravely is a proper word.

 

[Ford tractor]

That's why I like the Honda engine. I've not had to pull more than twice on that thing yet to get it started...:thumbsup:

Ever try it at 30 F BELOW zero? Post back and really brag after you do that

 

[ovrszd]

I don't know about -30 but Honda engines start very easily. Big thing for me.

 

[Big Wave D]

I bought a TSC/Speeco splitter this summer, 22 ton. It came with the Briggs motor on it. I could have ordered a Honda fitted splitter, but I think the price was around an extra $100+.

I don't usually try to make a habit of splitting wood in the dead of winter. So, I wasn't real concerned about cold weather starting. Well, I am trying to get a massive oak tree parceled up and split, just because I'm sick of looking at in my my barn yard. It had fallen onto a friend's business rental due to a tornado passing overhead.

Anyway, I'm sure Briggs isn't really much more than a shadow of its former self, but so far it has ticked along quite nicely and even starts without struggle when the temps are in the Teens and Twenties.

That little primer bulb has been a nice addition to the modern small power plant.

 

[Treemonkey1000]

Ever try it at 30 F BELOW zero? Post back and really brag after you do that

If it gets to 30 below here in Seattle H--L will have frozen over..And my hairy little Hiney is smarter than worrying about splitting wood then anyhow.

 

[jejeosborne]

I purchased a splitter made by Swisher because it has a belt driven pump that you can disengage until the engine is started and warm. It makes tugging on the rope a lot easier when cold.

I would not recommend using my neighbors method. He puts a pan of carcoal under his to warm it up. True story. He can't start it under the load of the pump with cold fluid.

 

[Big Wave D]

I purchased a splitter made by Swisher because it has a belt driven pump that you can disengage until the engine is started and warm. It makes tugging on the rope a lot easier when cold.

I would not recommend using my neighbors method. He puts a pan of charcoal under his to warm it up. True story. He can't start it under the load of the pump with cold fluid.

Okay, the disengaging pump thing is a nice touch. I can see that on a higher end splitter.

About your neighbor, I'd say he is running something way to heavy for hydraulic fluid if he's having to go to that kind of extent to just even start the thing.

Mine pulls somewhat what harder, no doubt, with the cold, but he's off the charts. :confused2:

 

[Duffster]

Ever try it at 30 F BELOW zero? Post back and really brag after you do that

Where are you located that it actually gets to -30, let alone split wood in that weather.